Low towing thought

Tony Verhulst wrote:

But in the US, the PTS
doesn't say that you have to do it this way. And, it's referenced source
for the maneuver, The Soaring Flight Manual, also does not mention going
through the wake. If, on a flight review, a rated pilot boxes the wake
without going through it, I keep my mouth shut. But, then later I will
ask for a tow transition through the wake prior to release.


They done went and changed it agin, then:

http://tinyurl.com/2fksg7

faa-h-8083-13, pp101-102 (2003)


"BOXING THE WAKE

"Boxing the wake is a performance maneuver designed
to demonstrate a pilotÂ’s ability to accurately maneuver
the glider around the towplaneÂ’s wake during aerotow.

"Boxing the wake requires flying a rectangular pattern
around the towplaneÂ’s wake. _Before starting the
maneuver, the glider should descend through the wake
to the center low tow position as a signal to the tow
pilot that the maneuver is about to begin_. The pilot
uses coordinated control inputs to move the glider out
to one side of the wake and holds that lower corner of
the rectangle momentarily with rudder pressure. Applying
back pressure to the control stick starts a vertical
ascent, then rudder pressure is used to maintain equal
distance from the wake. The pilot holds the wings level
with the ailerons to parallel the towplaneÂ’s wings. When
the glider has attained high corner position, the pilot
momentarily maintains this position.

"As the maneuver continues, the pilot reduces the rudder
pressure and uses coordinated flight controls to bank
the glider to fly along the top side of the box. The
glider should proceed to the opposite corner using
aileron and rudder pressure, as appropriate. The pilot
maintains this position momentarily with rudder pres-
sure, then begins a vertical descent by applying for-
ward pressure to the control stick. Rudder pressure is
used to maintain glider position at an equal distance
from the wake. The pilot holds the wings level with the
ailerons to parallel the towplaneÂ’s wings. When the
glider has attained low corner position, the pilot
momentarily maintains this position. The pilot releases
the rudder pressure and, using coordinated flight
controls, banks the glider to fly along the bottom side
of the box until reaching the original center low tow
position._From center low tow position, the pilot
maneuvers the glider through the wake to the center
high tow position, completing the maneuver_.

"COMMON ERRORS
-Performing an excessively large rectangle
around the wake.
• -Improper control coordination and procedure
• -Abrupt or rapid changes of position."

---------------------------------------------------


Jack

They done went and changed it agin, then:

http://tinyurl.com/2fksg7

faa-h-8083-13, pp101-102 (2003)

I expect that they WILL. The next update to the Practical Test Standard
will, no doubt, reference the Glider Flying Handbook for this maneuver.
The current PTS references the (otherwise excellent) Soaring Flight
Manual, unfortunately in this case.

The current PTS reads:

TASK E: BOXING THE WAKE

REFERENCE: Soaring Flight Manual

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements to boxing the
wake (maneuvering around the wake).
2. Maneuvers the glider, while on tow, slightly outside the
towplane's wake in a rectangular, box-like pattern.
3. Maintains proper control and coordination.

Not exactly detailed, is it :-) ?